Elevator signaling system.



W. B. LUCAS. ELEVATOR SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.25, 1910.

Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

FLT-ITSM Iriven Tr WIliIam E LUBBS AHur'na s W. B. LUCAS.

ELEVATOR SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION I'ILED 33.25, 1910.

1,124,682. Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 41 WIIl'lESSEE InVEfiET Ameqs- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM B. LUCAS, 0]? RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO LUCAS SIGNAL &

- CONTROL COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

ELEVATOR SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

Application filed February 25, 1910. Serial No. 545,832.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM B. Lucas, a citizen of the United States, residing at River Forest, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Elevator Signaling Systems, (Case 1,) of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to an elevator signaling system in which means are employed for signaling the operator of the elevator from various floors or levels, and for indi eating at such different floors or levels the approach of the elevator.

My invention hasfor its object the simplification of mechanism required to accomplish the results set forth and, in the preferred embodiment, electrical circuits are employed which are adapted to actuate electromagnetic indicating mechanism' at the different floors or levels with the use of a minimum amount of wiring. In carrying out my invention I may also employ electric lamps for indicating at the different floors or levels the approach of the elevator and, if desired, for indicating to the operator on the elevator a signal sent from one of the floors or levels.

My invention is susceptible'of a variety of embodiments as, for example, si nals may be associated with the different oors or levels in such a manner that each is adapted to be operated whenever the elevator approaches the corresponding floor or level; again, different signals may be associated with each floor or level and so arranged that one signal at each floor will operate whenever the elevator approaches in one direction, while the other signal at the same floor, having a different characteristic indication, will be operated whenever the elevator approaches the corresponding floor from the other direction; again, whether a common signal is used at each floor to indicate either direction of approach of the elevator. or whether two signals, having different characteristic indications are employed at each floor, mechanism may be employed which must first be operated by a person at such floor to cause the operation of the corresponding signals when the elevator approaches such floor; again, the operation of the actuating means at each floor may also cause actuation of a signal in the elevator by means of which the elevator operator is advised that a passenger is waiting at a floor immediately in advance of the elevator; again, the mechanism employed for signaling the elevator operator may be used in connection with a continuously operated signaling device at the different floors or levels.

My invention further provides for automatically causing the actuation of the signals at the different floors at any desired distance in advance of the elevator, such mechanism being so actuated asto operate the signals at the different floors in advance of the elevator for either direction of its motion. 1

The several drawings illustrating my invention are as follows:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic drawing of the circuit mechanism and electrical devices that may be employed to operate a system of lamp signals at the different floors or levels whenever the elevator approaches such floors from either direction. Fig. 2 shows, in a drawing similar to Fig. 1, an arrangement of electric circuits and electrically operated mechanism by means of which push buttons located at the different floors must first be operated before the signaling mechanism located at such floors is operated. In this figure there is also shown a signal on the elevator which signal is operated simultaneously with the actuation of the floor signals placed in operative condition by one of such push-buttons, Fig. 3 shows, in a view similar to Figs. 1 and 2, an arrangement of electric circuits, and mechanism adapted to be operated thereby so arranged that characteristic signals located at the different floors indicate the approach of the elevator from directions corresponding to such signals. Push-buttons are located at the different floors adapted by their operation to actuate a signal carried by the elevator to indicate to the operator that a signal is sent from a floor he is approaching. Fig. 4 shows, in diagrammatic view, a form of mechanical indicator that may be actuated at the different floors by means of the electrical apparatus. Fig. 5 is a detail view of the resistance-controlling mechanism employed to cause the operation of the electromagnetic mechanism at the different floors.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

As shown in Fig. 1, the elevator l is supported by a cable 2 passing over sheaves 3 and l down the elevator well and around a sheave 5 at its lower end from which it passes to any suitable hosting mechanism not shown. The sheave 5 carries a small pulley 6 around which a belt 7 is located, such belt encircling at its other end a comparatively large pulley 8 mounted upon the shaft 9. The pulley 8 has rigidly secured to it a comparatively small pulley 10 which carries a belt 11 encircling at its other end a comparatively large pulley 12 carried by the spindle 13 of the rheostat ll. The spindle 13 has rigidly secured thereto a disk 15 which carries insulated contacts 16 and 17 disposed to be engaged by a relatively movable contact 18 carried by the contact making arm 19 which is loosely mounted upon the spindle 13. The spindle 13 is thus in electrical contact with the arm 19 but insulated from the contacts 16 and 17. The arm 19, as it is rotated by the belt 11, engages the contacts 20 of the rheostat between which the resistance 21 is connected.

The spindle 13 is connected to the terminal 22; the contacts 16 and 17 are connected to the terminals and 24; and one end of the resistance 21 is connected to the terminal of the rheostat.

Since the position of the arm 19 determines the operation of the signals at the different floors, it is necessary that there be no lost motion between the sheave 5 and the spindle 13 and it is necessary, therefore, that the belts and pulleys employed be of a kind adapted to positively engage and drive the different parts, as, for example,

sprocket wheels and chains.

At the several floors orlevels the relays 26, 27.28 and 29 are located one at each floor. the windings of these relays being included in series and connected by wires 30 and 31 with one terminal of the battery 32 and the terminal of the rheostat 14 respectively. The other terminal of the battery 32 is connected through a switch 33 to the terminal 22 of the rheostat 14. The relays 26, 27, 28 and '29 are providedwith armatures 26*, 27 28 and 29* having backcontacts 26 27", 28 and 29" respectively, and front contacts 26", 27, 28 and 29 respectively. The armature 26 is connected by a wire 34 to the wire 30 and one terminal of the battery The front contact 26 of the armature 26 is connected by a wire 35 with the armature 27. The front contact 27 of the relay 27 is connected by a wire 36 with the armature 28 and the front contact 28 of the relay 28 is connected by a wire 37 with the armature 29 and this system of connection is followed for all of the different floors or levels regardless of their number. The backcontact 26 is connected by a wire 38 with the lamps 39 and -'.L0, the other terminals of which are connected, by wires 41 and 42, with the terminals 23 and 24: of the rheostat 14. The back contact 27* is connected by wire 43 with the lamps 44 and 45, the other terminals of which are connected to the wires l1 and 1L2 respectively. The back contact 28 is connected by wire 46 with the lamps l7 and 48, the other terminals of which are connected respectively with the wires l1 and 42. The back contact 29 is connected by wire 49 with the lamps 50 and 51, the other terminals of which are connected with the wires 41 and .42 respectively.

The relays 26, 2'7, 28 and 29 are so wound that they respond to different actuating currents, that is the relay 26 responds to a small current; the relay 27 to a larger current; the relay 28 to a still larger current; while the relay :29 requires a larger current to actuate it than does anyof the other relays. This relation may be secured either by winding the relays with different sizes and amounts of wire, or by adjusting the armatures of the relays so that they have 95 different degrees of sensitiveness, or both of these means may be jointly employed.

From the description above given, it will be observed that when the elevator is in its lowest position the arm 19 is in practically 100 the position indicated in the drawing and that motion of the car to the first floor or starting point will serve to move the contact 16 into engagement with the contact 18 and also to move the arm 19 upon the first one 10.5 of the contacts 20, which, with the switch 33 in its closed position, closes a circuit through the actuating windings of the relays 26, 27, 28 and 29 as follows: battery 32, wire 30, windings of the relays 26, 27, 28 0 and 29 in series, wire 31, terminal 25, all of the resistance 21, arm 19, terminal back to the battery 32. This condition preferably does not cause actuation of the relay 26 ow ing to the resistance 21 being too high, as a 115 result of which the lamp 39 remains lighted, the curient taking the following course: battery 32, wire 34, armature 26, contact 26", wire 38, lamp 39, wire 41, terminal 23, contact 16,-contact 18, terminal 22 back to 120 battery 32. In other words, the lamp 39, by being illuminated indicates that the elevator is moving upward and that it has Just approached the first floor. Further motion upward of the elevator moves the arm 19 125 around'to the right, thus cutting out a portion of the resistance 21. The current increase resulting is sufficient to operate the relay 26. as a result of which the lamp 39is extinguished by the breakv between the arma- 13a tliref26 and the con'tact26 and the lamp 44 is lighted through the following circuit battery 32, wlre 34, armature 26, contact 26,

wire 35, armature 27", contact 27, wire 43,

lamp 44, wire 41, terminal 23, contact 16, contact 18, terminal 22 back to battery 32. The lighting of the lamp 44 indicates that the elevator is moving upward and approaching the second floor. When the elevator has reached the second floor the lamp 44 is preferably still lighted, which means that the resistance 21 has not been sulfieiently reduced to cause the actuation of the relay 27. Further motion of the elevator upward moves the arm 19 farther around to the right and the increase of current resulting from this further cutting off of the resistance 21 energizes the relay 27 which extinguishes the lamp 44 by separating the armature 27 from the contact 27 and at the same time the lamp 47 is lighted by the following circuit: battery 32, wire 34, armature 26, contact 26, wire 35, armature 27, contact 27, wire 36, armature 28, contact 28*, wire 46, lamp 47, wire 41, terminal 23, contact 16, contact 18, terminal 22 back to battery The lighting of the lamp 447 indicates that the elevator 1 is moving upward and approaching the third floor. When the elevator reaches the third floor, the lamp 47 is preferably still lighted and upon passing this floor the resistance 21 is cut out of circuit to a sufficient extent to cause the actuation of the relay 28 which, by separating the armature 28 from contact 28 extinguishes the lamp 47 and lights the lamp 50 through the following circuit: battery 32, wire 34, armature 26*, contact 26, wire 35, armature 27, contact 27, wire 36, armature 28; contact 28, wire 37, armature 29, contact 29, wire 49, lamp 50, wire 41, terminal 23, contact 16, contact 18, terminal 22 back to battery 32. The lighting of the lamp 50 is an indication that the elevator is moving upward and approaching the fourth floor.

It will be understood that apparatus similar .to that described in connection with each of the first four floors is located at each of the succeeding floors and that the operation of this apparatus is similar in all respects to the operation just described.

lVhen the elevator 1 has reached the upper end of its travel and begins to move downward, the disk 15 moves relatively to the arm 19 so as to break connection between the contacts 16 and 18 and close connection between the contacts 17 and 18. The resistance 21 included in circuit at this time is of such amount as to cause the actuation of all of the relay windings serially included in the conductors 30 and 31, as a result of which all of the relay armatures are in their attracted position. As the car moves downward and approaches the -su'ccessive floors the relays are deenergized'and the lamps at the corresponding floors are lighted indicating that the elevator is moving downward and approaching such floors. As the car approaches the fourth floor, a suiiicient amount of the resistance 21 is brought into circuit by the arm 19 to deenergize the relay 29, thus lighting the lamp 51 through the following circuit: battery 32, wire 34, armature 26, contact 26, wire 35, armature 27 contact 27, wire 36, armature 28, contact 28, wire 37, armature 29, contact 29*, wire 49, lamp 51, wire 42, terminal 24, contact 17 contact 18, terminal 22, back to battery 32. As the car moves further downward, more of the resistance 21 is included in circuit and the relay 28 is ,deenergized which, by the separation of the armature 28 from the contact 28, extinguishes the lamp 51 and lights the lamp 48 through the following circuit: battery 32, wire 34, armature 26,

contact 26, wire 35, armature 27. contact 27, wire 36, armature 28, contact 28", wire 46, lamp 48, wire 42, terminal 24, contact 9 17, contact 18, terminal 22, back to battery 32. The lighting of the lamp 48 indicates that the elevator is moving downward and approaching the third floor. As the elevator passes the third floor a suflicient amount of resistance 21 is included in the circuit to cause the deenergization of the relay 27 which, by the separation of the armature 27 and the contact 27, eXtinguishes the lamp 48 and lights the lamp 45 through the following circuit: battery 32, wire'34, armature 26, contact 26, wire 35, armature 27 contact 27*, wire 43, lamp 45, wire 42, terminal 24, contact 17, contact 18, terminal 22, back to battery 32. The lighting of the lamp 45 indicates that the elevator is moving downward and approaching the second floor. As the elevator passes the second floor, a sufficient amount of resistance 21 is included in the circuit to cause the deenergization of relay 26 as a result of which, by the separation of the arma ture 26 and the contact 26, the lamp 45 is extinguished and the lamp 40 is lighted through the following circuit: battery 32, wire 34, armature 26*, contact 26", wire 38, lamp 40, wire 42, terminal 24, contact 17, contact 18, terminal 22 back to battery 32. The lighting of the lamp 40 is an indication that the elevator is moving downward and approaching the first floor.

From the foregoing description it will appear that the lamps 39, 44, 47 and 50 serve as signals at the several floors indicating the approach in the upward direction of the elevator 1, while the lamps 40, 45, 48 and 51 indicate an approach of the elevator in the downward direction. By using a color for the lamps T39, '44, 47 and 50, different from "that employed for the Tee lamps 40, 45, i8 and 51, each signal at each floor serves to indicate definitely the direction of approach of the elevator to such floor.

In the system shown in Fig. 2, the circuit connections of the windings of the relays 26, 2?, :28 and 29 are identical with the connections of the corresponding windings in Fig. 1, as a result of which they do not call for a detailed explanation. Furthermore the rheostat 1 is of similar construction to the rheostat shown in Fig. 1 and is similarly operated, its operation serving in the manner described in connection with Fig. l to operate the several relays 26, 27, '28 and 29 as the elevator approaches the corresponding floors in either direction. As shown in this figure, push buttons 52, 53, 54 and 55 are located at the floors corresponding with the lamps 39, ll, 4:7 and 50 respectively. The push button is adapted by its operation to energize the operating magnet of the relay 56, by a circuit as follows: battery 57, wire 58. push button 52, winding 56, wire 61 back to battery 57. The push buttons 53, 5i and 55 are adapted by similar circuits closed from the battery 57 to energize the operating magnets of the relays 62, 65 and 68 respectively. The relay 56 by its'operation attracts the armature 69 thus closing a circuit from the back contact 26 of the relay .26 to the wire 38 as follows: back contact 26*, armature 69, contact 73, releasing winding 56*, wire 38. In its attracted position the armature 69 is engaged by a catch '77 pivoted at 77* which serves by the action of gravity to engage the upper end of the armature and retain it in its attracted position 'thus maintaining closed the connection above referred to between the back contact :26 and the wire 38 until the winding 56 is energized. The catch 77 has rigidly connected thereto and extending downward from the pivot ii, 'an' armature 77 adapted to be attracted by the left hand end of the core upon which the winding 56 is mounted. The armature 69 is provided at its lower end with a button 69 by means of which it may be moved inechanically into engagement with the catch 77, thus establishing connection between the back contact 26 and the wire 38 without the energization of the winding 56 if desired. The relays 6'2, 65 and 68 are provided with armatures T0, T1 and 72 adapted to be engaged by the pivoted catches 78, 79 and S0 to which are secured the armatures 78 79 and 80 arranged and conformed in a manner similar to the corresponding parts shown and described in connection with the relay 56. The relays 62, 65 and 68 are adapted by their operation to make connection between the back contacts 272 28 and 29 of the relays 27, 28' and 29 and the wires 43, 46 and 4C9 respectively.

It is to be noticed that the wires 38, 43, 6 and 49 are normally discontinuous and that, therefore, the signal lamps disposed at the several floors are normally inoperative. In order that these lamps at any fioor may be placed in operative condition, either the corresponding one of the push buttons 52, 53, 51 and 55 must be actuated, or the corresponding one of the armatures 69, 70, 71 and 72 must be mechanically actuated to engage the corresponding catch to complete the circuit between the back contact of the associated one of the relays Q6, 27, 2S and 29 and the wire connected with the lamps to be lighted. Assuming that connection has been established between the back contact 28 and the wire l6, the lamps st? and T8 are in condition to be lighted by the operation of the relays 27 and 28 as already described in connection with the system shown in Fig. l-in that the elevator l carries a pilot signal 81 which is connected in circuit between the battery 32 and the armature 26 by means of the conductors 3i and 82 which are flexible at that portion extending from the terminal block in the ele vator well to the elevator.

From the above it will be understood that when the car is moving upward and reaches the fioor below the signals 47 and 48, the rheostat it will have been operated sufficiently to reduce the resistance so that the relay 2? is energized, as a result of which current will flow from the battery 32 through the lamp t? as above described, at the same time flowing through the lamp 81, thus indicating both to the operator on the elevator and to the person on the floor corresponding to the lamp 4? that the elevator is approaching. The current thus flowing through the wire 46 and the winding 65 attracts the armature 79", thus disengaging the catch 79 from the armature 71 which, however, is still retained in its attracted position, as a result of the magnetic action of the core upon which the winding 65 is mounted. This condition continues until the elevator reaches the floor corresponding to the lamp 4:? or slightly thereafter depending upon the adjustment at which time by the reduction of the resistance 21 included in circuit the relay 28 is energized and thus the circuit through the wire T6 is broken. The armatures 69, 70, T1 and 72 are constructed so as to be comparatively quick in their action and that this may be the case the retractile springs indicated are provided. The armatures 77", 78 79 and 80 are, on the other hand,

comparatively sluggish in their action, as

a result of which when the relay 28 is energized, the armature 71 is pulled back from its attracted position before the catch 79 drops to its engaging position and thus the apparatus is restored to its normal relation.

If, instead of moving upward, the car is moving downward toward the floor corresponding to the button 54 after the armature 71 has been engaged by the catch 79, the relay'28 will be denergized when the elevator reaches the floor above the button 54 and the lamps 48 and 81 will be lighted, thus indicating that the car is approaching the floor corresponding to the button 54 from an upward direction and at the same time indicating to the elevator operator that he is to stop at the next floor. This condi tion continues until the elevator reaches the floor corresponding to the button 54 at which time the relay 27 is deenergized thus breaking the circuit through the wire 46 and therefore through the lamps 48 and 81 which cirouitinterruption releases the armature 71 as above described.

In the modified system shown in Fig. 3, the relay arrangement used at each floor is similar to that shown and described in connection with Fig. 2, the only difference being in the circuit connections employed. In this system the floor signals 39, 44, 47, 50 and 40, 45, 48 and 51 are connected and operated as shown in Fig. 1. The elevator 1 is provided with a pilot signal 81, as shown in Fig. 2 adapted to be lighted only upon the setting of a button at one of the floors in advance of the elevator for either direction of its motion, the lighting of the pilot signal being controlled by the relay mechanism referred to above.

As shown in Fig. 3, the pilot lamp 81 is connected between the conductors 84 and 85, the conductor 85 serving as a feed wire also for the elevator chandelier 86 from which the conductor 87 extends back to the battery 32. The conductor 84 is connected to the pivotal points of all of the armatures 69, 70, 71 and 72, any one of which, therefore, when in its attracted position serves to close the return path from the pilot lamp 81 to the corresponding wire 38, 43, 46 or 49 and thus through the corresponding back contacts 26", 27 28 and 29 to the battery 32.

From the above description it will be observed that with the system shown in Fig. 3, the pilot signal on the elevator is lighted as the elevator approaches a floor only if the signaling button at such floor has been operated but that the signals lighted at that floor are flashed as the elevator approaches from either direction whether the signaling button has been actuated or not, and further that the operation of the relay mechanism is identical with that shown and described in Fig. 2, theresult of which operation being, in the system shown in Fig. 3, merely to control the pilot lamp on the elevator 1.

As indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 4, theclam-p signals associated with the various floors may be dispensed with and in their stead mechanical signals may be used operated directly by the magnets 26, 27, 28 and 29. Asshown in this figure, each of the armatures 26 and 27", is provided at its upper end with a roller 26 27 adapted to engage a cam surface formed on the lower edges of the levers 88 and 89 pivoted respectively at 90 and 91. The left hand ends of the levers 88 and 89 have secured thereto shutters 92 and 93 adapted to present characteristic indications to the openings 94 and 95 formed in the front board of the apparatus, such openings being so disposed as to be readily visible by the persons waiting at the different floors or levels.

From the description already given of the magnets 26, 27, 28 and 29, it will be seen that the armatures 26 27, 28 and 29* may be attracted one after the other as the elevator approaches the corresponding floors and that, by properly proportioning the magneto-motive forces of the different magnets and the retracting springs associ ated with their armatures, this operation may be effected before the cars reach the floors as desired. This mechanism thus may be made to afford an indication of the approach of the elevator in either direction.

In Fig. 5, I have shown a means for securing any desired advance of the operation of the floor signals for either direction of motion of the elevator. As shown in this figure, the spindle 13 of'the rheostat has rigidly secured thereto an arm 96 from the upper end of which a pin 97 projects into engagement with a slot 98 formed in the lower end of a lever 99, pivoted at 100 to an arm 101 loosely mounted upon the spindle 13. The upper end of the lever 99 has projecting therefrom a pin 102 adapted to engage a slot 103 formed in the lower end of a contact blade 104 pivoted at 105 to the arm 101. The upper end of the contact blade 104 is adapted to engage the several contacts 20 of the rheostat 14 as the spindle 13 is rotated. The arm 101 has rigidly secured thereto insulating blocks 105 and 106 through which the screws 107 and 108 are threaded, such screws adapted to be adjusted in such blocks by means of the milled heads indicated and to be clamped in any desired position by the check nuts 109- and 110. The screws 107 and 108 are-connected by means of flexible connectors with the terminals 24 and 23 of the rheostat 14.

From the construction just described, it will be understood that reversal of the motion of the spindle 13 serves not only to interrupt the circuit between the spindle 13 and one of the terminals 23 and 24 and to establish connection between such spindle and the other of such terminals, but that such reversal of motion also serves to rapidly move the contact blade 104 in advance of the direction of motion of the spindle 13 until the arm 96 strikes one of the screws 1 107 and 108 depending upon the direction of motion of the spindle 13. The amount of motion of the spindle 13 relative to the arm 101 which is permitted by the adjustment of the screws 107 and 108 determines the as'in series arrangement, they may be connected, if desired, in parallel and that by properly proportioning the windings they may be caused to successively operate by changing the potential impressed upon their terminals by means of the rheostat 14.

While 1 have shown my invention in the particular embodiments herein described, 1

do not, however, limit myself to these arrangements, but claim any equivalents that may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

What 1 claim is:

1. 1n an elevator signaling system, the combination of a signal at each level, magnets successively' responsive to difi'erent current strengths, circuit connections extending to the signals and controlled by the magnets for-causing the operation of a given signal when the elevator approaches the level of such signal, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit with such magnets to thereby control their successive operation.

2'. 111 an elevator signaling system, the combination of signals at difierent levels, magnets successively responsive to difierent current strengths, circuit connections ex- .tending to the signals and controlled by the magnets for causing the operation of such signals, a resistance and a source of current in circuit with such magnets, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit to control the successive operation of such magnets and signals when the elevator approaches the level of such signals.

3. In an elevator signaling system, the

' combination of normally inoperative signals at different levels, push buttons associated with such signals, magnets responsive to different current strengths, circuit connec-' tions for the signals and the push buttons and controlled by the magnets by which they control such signals when the corre- Sponding push buttonsare operated, a sou'rce of current in circuit with suchmagnets, and means operatedby motion of the elevator for changing the current flow' i'n' said ciri when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals.

4. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative signals at difierent levels, magnets responsive to different current strength for controlling said signals, push buttons associated with said signals for placing said signalsunder the control of said magnets, a source of current in circuit with said magnets and meansoperated by the motion of the elevator for changing the current fiow in said circuit to control the magnets when the elevator apprpaches the level of the corresponding signa s.

5. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative signals ,at different levels, push buttons associated with such signals, magnets responsive to different current strengths, circuit connections for the signals and the push buttons and controlled by the'magnets by which they control such signals when the corresponding push buttons are operated,a resistance and a source of current in circuit with'suchmagnets, and means operated by motion of the elevator for successively controlling such magnets by changing theresistance included in circuit with them when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals.

6.1n an elevator signaling system, thetrolling the operation of the same, a single I circuit extending to such magnets said magnets being responsive to different current strengths, a IQSlStilnCfllld asource of current 1n such circuit, and means controlled by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in such circuit to thereby control suchmagn'ets when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding l f Q i 7. llnan elevator signaling'system', the combination ofaplurality of signals at dif- "ferent levels, a magnet associated with each signal, a push button associated with each signal, said signals being jointly controlled by said push buttons and said magnets, said magnets being'connected 1n it-single circuit flow inthe circuit and means controlled by motion of the elevator rent flow in said circuit, I, y

8. 1n an elevator si' naling system, "the combination of a pluraityof normally inoperative signals at difierent levels, a circuit for said s igna ls, a magnet associated with eachsignal for controlling thecircuit of the associated signahpush buttons assopiated with said signals, said push buttons V g V v H operable to places'aid'signaisunderthe con- -cuit to successively control such magnets tiol of the ma nets, said magnets" being refor changing the cur and being responsive to changes incurrent sponsive to difierent current values, a common circuit for said magnets and means controlled by movement of the elevator for changing the value of the current in said circuit.

9. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays responsive to different current strengths associated with such signals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said signals and push buttons to control the operation of said signals, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, such relays also adapted by their operation to control the circuit through the electric lamp on the elevator.

10. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said signals and push buttons to control the operation of said signals, associated with such signals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a. resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, each of such relays also adapted by its operation to close and open the circuit through the electric lamp on the elevator when the elevator approaches and recedes from the level of an operated push button.

11. In an elevator signaling system, the

combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays responsive to difierent current strengths associated with such sig-' nals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said signals and through the electric lamp .on the elevator as the elevator approaches such floor.

12. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at d1fferent floors, relays responsive to differentcurrent strengths associated with such signals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays 'to said signals and push buttons to control the operation of said signals, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance in cluded in circuit to successively control the operation of such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, the operation of a given push button serving to light the electric lamp signal at the corresponding floor when the corresponding relay is operated, such relay also adapted to close and open the circuit through the electric lamp on the elevator as the elevator approaches and recedes from the level of the operated push button.

13. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of an electric lamp at each floor, relays responsive to difi er ent current strengths adapted by their operation to control the electric lamp circuit at a given floor when the elevator approaches the level of such electric lamp, circuit connections eX tending from such relays to said lamps to control the operation of the same, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit with such relays to thereby controltheir successive operation.

14. In an elevator signaling system, .the combination ofelectri'c lamps at different floors, a relay associated with each lamp for controlling the circuit of the same, said relays being responsive to difierent current strengths, a single circuit extending to such relays, a resistance and source of current in such circuit, circuit connections extending from said relays to said lamps for controlling the operation of the same, and a controller operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in such circuit to thereby control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding electric lamps.

15. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative electric lamps at difierent floors, push buttons associated with such lamps, relays responsive to difierent current strengths adapted to control such lamps when the corresponding push buttons are operated and when the elevator approaches the level of such lamps, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to the lamps and push buttons to control the operation of said lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator. for successively controlling such relays.

16. In an elevatorJsignaling system, the

combination of normally inoperative electric lamps at different floors, push buttons associated with such lamps, relays responsive to different current strengths adapted to operate such lamps when the corresponding push buttons are operated and when the elevator approaches the level of such lamps, a. resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said lamps and pushbuttons for controlling the operation of said lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for successively controlling such relays by changing the resistance included in circuit with the same.

17. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of signals at diiferent levels, magnets responsive to different current strengths associated with and adapted to control the operation of such signals, a resistance and a source of current in circuit with such magnets, circuit connections extending from said magnets to the signals to control the operation of the same, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit to control the successive operation of such magnets and signals when the elevator approaches the level of such signals, said means serving to control the signals in advance of the elevator as desired.

18. In. an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative signals at different levels, push buttons associated with such signals, magnetsadapted to control such signals when the corresponding push buttons are operated and when the elevator approaches the level of such signals, a source of current in circuit with such magnets, circuit connections controlled by said magnet extending to the signals, and push buttons for controlling the operation of said signals, and means operated by motion of the elevator for successively controlling such magnets and thereby said signals, said means serving to control such signals in advance of the elevator as desired.

19. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays responsive to diilerent current strengths associated with such signals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator,

push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit withsuch relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said signals and push buttons for controlling the operation of said signals, and means operated by motion of the elevator for'changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, such relays adapted by their operation to control the corresponding fioor signals and the elevator s1gnal, said means serving to control relays the signals in advance of the elevator as desired.

20. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays responisve to different current strengths associated with such signals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said signals and push buttons for controlling the operation of said signals, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance i11- cluded in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, the operation of a push button at any floor serving to light the electric lamp signal at such floor when the corresponding relay is operated and to light the electric lamp on the elevator as the elevator approaches such floor, said means serving to control the signals in advance of the elevator as desired.

21. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamps at difl'erent floors, a relay associated with each lamp for controlling the circuit of the same, a single circuit extending to such relays, a resistance and source of current in such circuit, and a controller operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in the circuit to thereby control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the cor responding lamps, such controller serving to control the electric lamps in advance of the elevator as desired.

In an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative electric lamps at diii -erent floors, push buttons associated with such lamps, relays for controlling such lamps when; the corresponding push buttons are operated and when the elevator approaches the level of such lamps, a source of current in circuit with such relays, and means operated by motion of the elevator for successively controlling such relays, such means controlling the electric lamps in advance of the elevator as desired.

23. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of two electric lamps at each floor adapted to give different indications, responsive to different current strengths associated with such lamps, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from saidrelays to said lamps and push buttons for controlling the operation of said lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays to light one of the corresponding lamps for upward motion, of the elevator and to. light the other of such lamps for downward motion of the elevator when the elevator approaches the level of such lamps.

24 In an elevator signaling system, the combination of two electric lamps at each floor adapted to give different indications, relays responsive to difierent current strengths associated with such lamps, an electric lamp on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said lamps and push buttons for controlling the operation of said lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays, the operation of a push button at a given floor serving to light one of the corresponding lamps for upward motion of the elevator and to light the other of such lamps for downward motion of the elevator when the elevator approaches the level of such lamps and to also light the electric lamp on the elevator for either direction of motion of the elevator as it approaches the level of the operated push button.

In an elevator signaling system, the combination of two electric lamps at each floor, relays responsive to different current strengths adapted by their operation to control a lamp circuit at a given floor when the elevator approaches such floor, circuit connections extending from the relays to the lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit with such relays to control their successive operation to light one of the corresponding lamps for upward motion of the elevator and to light the other of such lamps for downward motion of the elevator when the elevator approaches the level of such lamps.

26. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative electric lamps at different floors, push buttons associated with such lamps, relays for operating such lamps when the corresponding push buttons are operated, a resistance and a source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said lamps and push buttons for controlling the operation of said lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for successively controlling such relays by varying said resistance to light one of the corresponding lamps for upward motion of the elevator and to light the other of such lamps for downward motion of such elevator when the elevator approaches the level of such lamps. v 37. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of two electric lamps at each floor adapted to give different indications, relays" responsive to. different current strengths associated with such lamps, an

electric lamp on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from of such floor lamps for downward motion of the elevator when the elevator approaches the level of such floor lamps, such means operating the lamps in advance of the elevator as desired.

28. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of two electric lamps at each floor adapted to give difi'erent indications, relays responsive to difierent current strengths associated with such lamps, an

electric lamp on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said lamps and push buttons for controlling the operation of said lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays, the operation of a push button at any fioor serving to control one of the lamps at such floor for upward motion of the elevator and the other of such lamps for downward motion of the elevator and to control the lamp on the elevator for motion in either direction of the elevator when the elevator approaches the level of the floor lamps, said means serving to control the electric lamps in advance of the elevator as desired.

29. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of two electric lamps at each floor, relays responsive to difierent current strengths adapted by theiroperation to control a lamp circuit at a given floor when the elevator approaches such floor, circuit connections extending from the relays to the lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit with such relays to control their successive operation to thereby control one of the lam s at said fioor for upward motion of the elevator and to control the other of said lamps for downward motion of the GlGVzuLOI when the elevator approaches said floor, said means controlling the lamps in advance of the elevator as desired.

30. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative electric lamps at difierent floors, push buttons associated with such lamps,.relays for con:

trolling the circuits of the lampswhen' the o r sp ding pu ns a e op rated, a

source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said lamps, and push buttons for controlling the operation of said lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for successively controlling such relays to thereby control one of the lamps at a given floor for upward motion of the elevator and to control the other of the lamps at said floor for downward motion of the elevator when the elevator approaches said floor, said means serving to control the lamps in advance of the elevator as desired.

31. In a. controller for use in an elevator signaling system, the combination of a resistance, a plurality of contacts connected with different portions of the resistance, a switch arm adapted to successively engage the contacts, an operating shaft, and multiplying levers between the shaft and the switch arm for advancing the switch arm as desired ahead of the operating shaft by the rotation of the latter.

3:2. In a controller for use in an elevator signaling system, the combination of a plurality of contacts adapted to be connected to different portions of a resistance, a switch arm for successively engaging the contacts, an operating shaft, multiplying levers between the shaft and the switch arm for advancing the switch arm as desired ahead of,

the operating shaft by the rotation of the latter, and means for regulating the amount of such advance. a

33. In a controller for use in an elevator signaling system, the combination of a plurality of contacts adapted to be connected to contact arm mounted on said movable member, said arm adapted to make electric connection with said contacts, in succession, and means for varying the angular relation of the contact arm and the movable member when thedirection of motion of the movable member is reversed.

35. In an elevator signaling system, a plurality of contacts adapted to be connected to a resistance, a movable member having motion relative to said contacts, a wiper arm mounted on said movable member and of the arm and the movable member when the direction of motion of the movable member is reversed.

36. In an elevator signaling system, the I combination of asignal at each level, magnets responsive to different current strengths adapted by their operation to control a given signal when the elevator approaches the corresponding level, circuit connections extending to the signals and controlled by themagnets, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit with the magnets to thereby control their successive operation.

37. In an elevatorsignaling system, the combination of signals at different levels, magnets responsive to different current strengths, circuit connections extending from said magnets to said signals for controlling the operation of the same, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit with the magnets tothereby control their successive operation.

38. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of signals at dilferent levels, magnets responsive to different current strengths associated with the signals to control the operation of the same, a resistance and a source of current in circuit with such magnets, circuit connections extending from said magnets to said signals to control the operation of the same and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the amount of resistance in circuit to control the successive operation of the magnets and signals.

39. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative signals at different levels, push buttons associated with such signals, magnets responsive to difierent current strengths for controlling the signals when the corresponding push buttons are operated and when the elevator approaches the level of such signals, a source of current in circuit with such magnets, circuit connections controlled by said magnets extending to the signals, and push buttons for controlling the operation of said signals, and means operated by motion of the elevator for successively controlling such magnets.

40. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of normally inoperative si als at different levels, push buttons associated with such signals, magnets responsive to difi'erent current strengths for controlling such signals when the corresponding push buttons are operated and when the elevator approaches the level of such signals, a resistance and a source of current in circuit with such magnets, circuit connections controlled by said magnets extending to the signals, and push buttons for controlling the operation of said signals, and means operated by motion of the elevator for successively controlling such magnets by changing the resistance included in circuit with them.

all. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays responsive to difierent current strengths associated with such signals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said signals and push buttons for controlling the operation of said signals and means operated'by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, such relays also adapted by their operation, to control the circuit through the electric lamp on the elevator.

42. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays responsive to different current strengths assocatated with such signals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated-with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extendmg from said relays to said signals and push buttons for controlling the operation floor at which of said signals and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator ap= proaches the level of the corresponding signals, such relays also adapted by their operation to close and open the circuit through the electric lamp on the elevator when the elevator approaches and recedes from the a push button has been operated. v

43. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays responsive to difi'erent current strengths associated with such sig-v nals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said signals and push buttons for controlling the operation of said signals, and means operated by'motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, the operation of a push button at a given floor serving to control the electric lamp signal at such floor when the corresponding relay is' operated, such relay also vserving by its operation to control the circult through'the electric lamp on the elevator as the elevator approachessaid fioor,

a l. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electric lamp signals at different floors, relays responsive to different current strengths associated with such signals, an electric lamp signal on the elevator, push buttons associated with such signals, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said signals and push buttons for controlling the operation vator away from said floor serving to interrupt the control of said signal, said relay also adapted to control the circuit through the electric lamp on the elevator as the elevator approaches said floor.

45. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of two electric lamps at each floor adapted to give difierent indications, relays responsive to different current strengths associated with such lamps, an electric lamp on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit withsuch relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said lamps and'push buttons for controlling the operation of said lamps, and :means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, such relays also adapted by their operation to control the circuit through the electric lamp on the elevator, said means also operating through the relays controlled thereby to control one of the corresponding lamps for upward motion of the elevator and to control the other of said lamps for downward motion of the elevator.

46. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of two electric lamps ateach floor adapted to give different indications, relays responsive to difierent current strengths associated with such lamps, an electric lamp on the elevator, push buttons associated with such relays, a resistance and source of current in circuit with such relays, circuit connections extending from said relays to said lamps and push buttons for controlling the operation of said lamps, and means operated by motion of the elevator for changing the resistance included in circuit to successively control such relays when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals, the operation of a push button at a given floor serving to control one of the electric lamps at said floor for upward motion of the elevator and the other of the lamps at said floor for downward motion of the elevator when the corresponding relay is operated, the operated relay also controlling the circuit through the electric lamp on the elevator as the elevator approaches said floor.

47. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of signals at different levels, a magnet associated with each signal for controlling the same, a single circuit extending to such magnets, and means controlled by motion of the elevator for successively operating such magnets over such circuit when the elevator approaches the level of the corresponding signals.

48. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electromagnetic signal mechanisms at different levels, a single normally closed circuit extending to such mechanisms, and means controlled by motion of the elevator for successively operating such mechanisms over such circuit when the elevator approaches the level of the signal mechanisms.

49. In a controller for use in an elevator signaling system, the combination of a' plurality of contacts adapted to be connected to different portions of a resistance, a switch arm for successively engaging such contacts, an operating shaft, and multiplying levers for advancing the switch arm as desired ahead of the operating shaft by the rotation of the latter.

50. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of signal display means at different levels, a current strength controller actuated by motion of the elevator, and circuit connections extending from said controller to said signal display means, the operation of said controller causing said signal display means to indicate the position of the elevator.

51. In an elevator signaling system, the combination of electromagnetic signal mechanisms at difl'erent levels, said mechanism being responsive to variations in current strength, a circuit connected with said signal mechanisms, and means controlled by motion of the elevator for changing the current strength in said circuit to actuate the signal mechanisms to indicate the level of the elevator.

52. In an elevator asignaling system, an up signal and a down signal at each floor, a common return for said up signals and a common return for said down signals, a series of electromagnetic relays, one for each floor, said relays having front contacts and back contacts, a common feed circuit for said signals connected through the armature, and front contact of each re lay, connections train the back contact. of

each relay to the up and down signals of the corresponding floor, and means to operate said magnets in succession, said means being provided with switching means for disconnecting one of said common returns in accordance with the directionof motion of the elevator.

53. In an elevator signaling system, up signals and down signals, a common return for said up signals and a common return for said down signals,-said common returns being normally disconnected, a series of electromagnetic relays, one for each floor, said relays, having front contacts and back contacts, a common feed circuit for said signals connected through the armature, and front contact of each relay, a car signal in series with said feed circuit, connections from the back contact of each relay to both the up and down signals of the corresponding floor, and means to operate said magnets in succession, said means being provided with switching means for connecting one of said common returns to the feed circuit inaccordance with the motion of the elevator car.

54:. In an elevator signaling system, an up signal and a down signal at each floor, a common return for said up signals, a common return for said down signals, a plurality of relays having magnets operating on diflerent current strengths, said relays having front and back contacts, a feed circuit for said signals connected through the armature, and front contact of each relay, connection from the back contact of each relay to both of the corresponding floor signals, a common series circuit for said relay magnets, a rheostat in series with said circuit, said rheostat being operated in accordance with the motion of the car, a switch controlled by said rheostat for connecting one of the common returns with the signal feed circuit in accordance with the direction of motion of the elevator car.

55. In an elevator signal system, an up, signal at each floor, a down signal at each floor, a common return for said up signals and a common return for said down signals, a relay associated with each set of floor signals, said relay having front and back armature contacts, said circuit for said signals connected through the. armature, and front contact of each relay, a connection for each set of floor signals connected to the back contact of the corresponding relay, a locking relay in each ofsaid connections and a push button to close the circuit of the locking relay, means to operate said relays in succession corresponding to the motion of the elevator car.

56. In an elevator signaling system, a plurality ofv floor signals, a magnet associated with each floor signal, said magnets being responsive to difierent current strengths, a series circuit for said magnets including a source of current, a rheostat operated in proportion to the movement of the elevator car for varying the current in the circuit in accordance with the position of the car, said rheostat being provided with means 'for changing the relation between the resistance and the position of the car when the direction of motion of the car is reversed.

57. In an elevator signaling system, a plurality of floor signals, a relay associatedfloors, said means being moved in accordance with the movement of the elevator car and being advanced independently upon a reversal of motion of the elevator car.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 23rd day of February, A. D. 1910.

WILLIAM B. LUCAS Witnesses:

Amnn'r C. BELL, ALBERT G. MCCALEB, 

